Now, we’ll see if they listen. But if this year’s wave of state efforts portend the outcome, it’s not likely.

The road from seemingly simple short legislation to law can become bogged down by politics, pandering and lobbying as it wends its way through committees and onward (if it makes it that far).

NPA Executive Director and CEO John Shaw, who is no stranger to Washington wrangling, said "It’s not an easy choice, but the right choice, to be a national leader in the GMO fight," when the trade association in March announced its stance to push for a national labeling standard.

And as a national law was introduced, he applauded the action and remained confident the association’s platform sets a good direction for Congress and all business.

“Through our principles and support of these principles by our members, we feel we have already given Congress a signal as to what we're willing to accept as a membership at large in order to provide the consumer the right to know,” he said.

The NPA’s national GMO labeling position statement contains five points:

NPA believes consumers have the right to be informed whether genetically modified components are in their foods.

NPA supports and encourages the voluntary labeling on non-GMO foods.

NPA believes that consideration of federal law promoting a uniform standard is warranted to avoid separate standards for GMO labeling at the state level.

NPA supports the FDA consistently reviewing the concept of bio-equivalency of genetically modified ingredients in light of the most recent scientific studies.

And while the NPA and other natural products associations have grown their lobbying efforts individually and jointly in recent years, it’s worth noting the importance of individuals and businesses being heard as well.

Shaw agreed, saying, “It’s always important that an individual member company take action that they feel is appropriate in order to get the results they would like to see happen.”

How can you do that?

Call or write your senators and representative.

Inform your customers about the proposed law and how they can contact their elected officials.

There is no scientific evidence of a difference or problem with GM crops, and people in the US have been eating mostly GM corn and soy for many years. The GMO status is way to 'create' a product difference or a barrier to trade between countries from essentially nothing.

This is tremendously good news to hear! As a consumer, I for one am very pleased that there really are people in our country fighting the good fight to right the wrongs and attempt to protect us, our health and the health of our nations food supply. At the very least, enpowering people with ability to shop for foods without the requirement of a chemistry degree! The task of reading every fine detail can be overwhelming. I find myself simply choosing to not buy anything that is not clearly marked. I have better use of my time than to spend hours reading ingredients, searching for country of origins, is it really organic or natural or GMO or not. And still worrying about quality, and/or, to still end up returning items and the other option is just toss it in the trash which obviously is a waste of money and not very ecosmart either! So a resonating thank you is in order to those endeavoring for clear label laws!
As for the previous comments, I do not know what reality you live in, but it clearly is one that is either simply uninformed to out outright delusional or possibly blinded? The evidence and research abounds to demonstrate the ill effects of GMO food products from nutritional to serious health issues and outright suffering of trusting people, animals and the negative impacts to other crops and our environment! It never ceases to amaze me, the extents that people will go to turn away simple logic or just unable to accept what is staring them right in the face. Tragic.
Keep up the good fight and thank you for the life line of hope in a world that can almost seem hopeless.